The Research

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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a set of behaviours that usually show themselves in early childhood. The symptoms in children with ADHD are unlike the normally rambunctious behaviour of their peers. If not addressed, these behaviours can cause trouble for them at home, at school, and in the community. There are three groups of children with AD/HD: those classified as hyperactive-impulsive; those who are largely inattentive; and those who have a combination of both types of symptoms.

Hyperactive-impulsive children always seem to be “on the go.” They have difficulty sitting still and paying attention and tend to fidget and squirm to a degree beyond what is normal for their age. They seem to be unable to play quietly by themselves, and may intrude on or interrupt others’ conversations. Their impulsiveness also puts them at risk for physical injuries. Inattentive children tend to daydream, are easily distracted, have short attention spans, seem not to listen when spoken to, have memory problems, and fail to finish projects. Their school work is usually characterized by carelessness, inattention to detail, and disorganization. Based on a number of studies, the likely rate at any one time of school aged children having a diagnosis of AD/HD is 5%, with more boys than girls suffering from the condition.[1]

Cause

Twin studies have shown that there is a genetic basis for ADHD. True susceptibility genes have yet to be identified, although candidate genes have been proposed. ADHD does tend to run in families: about 25% of the parents of children with ADHD also have the condition or another condition such as depression, substance abuse, conduct disorder in childhood or adult onset antisocial personality disorder. Some families also have a history of bipolar disorder.[2]

About 80% of children with ADHD have symptoms that persist through high school. Of those, 50% have symptoms into adulthood.

If untreated, children with ADHD of the hyperactive-impulsive type are at high risk for school failure. Their lack of social skills can lead to difficulty making and maintaining friendships and as a result they can experience sadness and feelings of rejection. Their impulsivity and lack of judgment may bring them into conflict with the law.

Among children and adolescents with ADHD, there are high rates of co-existing psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder, anxiety disorder, or depressive disorders, and oppositional defiant disorder. They also have higher rates of alcohol, nicotine, and other drug abuse.[3]

Treatment

There have been more than 150 published randomized controlled trials that have shown the effectiveness of medications in the treatment of core AD/HD symptoms. The drugs include methylphenidate, mixed amphetamine salts, dexedrine and atomoxetine. No one drug was found to be more effective than another.

Individual cognitive behavioural therapy for the child, family therapy, and parent training are effective in managing the social and family problems associated with AD/HD. Combining medication and behavioural therapy appears to improve overall functioning and in some cases reduces the amount of medication needed.[4]